Deena and Katina from Anna Maria’s Angels at last year’s Greater Dandenong Relay for Life.
By Nicole Williams
ANNA Maria’s Angels will strap on the wings and hang the halos again in May for the Greater Dandenong Relay for Life but this year it will be bitter-sweet for Jodi DeStratis and her family.
The 23-person team signed up for the relay last year in memory of Jodi’s grandmother Anna Maria, who passed away from breast cancer in 1994.
However, this year, the team will be walking in memory of Jodi’s brother, Robbie, who lost his battle with leukaemia in October.
The 18-year-old was diagnosed with the blood cancer in October 2010, only one month after the family registered for the 2011 event.
“It seemed quite ironic but it made us even more determined to participate and raise as much money as we could,” the Narre Warren resident said.
“We almost pulled out but my Mum said ‘let’s do it’ – it’s given us more reason to do it again this year.
“We have watched too many of our loved ones lose their lives to cancer and we need to do what we can to stop this disease.”
The team had so much fun last year that before the relay was over they were planning for the 2012 event and Jodi joined the committee.
“It’s hard to understand what the event is like until you’re there but it’s a great weekend,” she said.
“We camp out, dress up, decorate our marquee and participate in all the fun and festivities.”
Anna Maria’s Angels will light a candle for Anna Maria and Robbie and Jodi’s mother will walk in the carers and survivors walk.
The team raised a staggering $6727.15 for last year’s relay and received the Spirit of the Relay Award for their efforts.
They would just like to beat it this year.
The Greater Dandenong Relay for Life event will be held from 3pm on Saturday 26 May until 11am Sunday 27 May at Sandown Greyhound Track, Lightwood Road, Springvale.
To find out more or to join the committee of the Greater Dandenong Relay for Life email dandenong@relayforlife.org.au.
To register for the Relay for Life visit www.relayforlife.org.au or phone 1300 656 585.
